Khasab Dhow Cruise: Dolphins, Telegraph Island & Snorkeling

Sail a wooden dhow past wild dolphins to Telegraph Island's crystal waters

A full-day dhow cruise from Khasab through the fjords of Musandam, known as the Norway of Arabia, with stops at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. The boat departs at 10 a.m., returns by 3 p.m., and carries a live English-speaking guide. Lunch, snorkeling gear, towels and all water and soft drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dhow cruise and island activities

• Meet at Khasab Harbor
• Board traditional Omani dhow
• Sail through Musandam fjords
• Stop at Telegraph Island for swimming
• Explore Telegraph Island ruins
• Stop at Seebi Island for snorkeling
• Enjoy kayaking and fishing
• Have buffet lunch onboard
• Watch wild dolphins swim alongside
• Return to Khasab Harbor

The experience

You board a traditional wooden dhow at Khasab Harbor and sail into the dramatic fjords of Musandam, where steep mountains rise straight from the water. The cruise runs five hours, with two main stops: Telegraph Island, a historic British telegraph station from 1864 now reduced to ruins, sits in calm turquoise water roughly 160 meters long. Seebi Island offers a second anchorage for swimming and snorkeling. Wild dolphins often swim alongside the boat during the passage between stops, though sightings are not guaranteed.

At each island you get time in the water with snorkeling equipment provided, or you can kayak from the anchored dhow, fish recreationally, or simply float in the shaded areas onboard. The boat has toilet and shower facilities. A freshly prepared open buffet lunch arrives mid-day, along with seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, and unlimited soft drinks and water throughout the journey. Towels are supplied.

The guide speaks English and narrates the route and stops. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The cruise suits all fitness levels since swimming and snorkeling are optional and the boat provides shaded seating for those who prefer to rest between stops.

What’s included

• Traditional wooden dhow with comfortable shaded seating and onboard toilet and shower facilities.
• freshly prepared open buffet lunch.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• kayaking and recreational fishing at the islands.
• unlimited water, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
• seasonal fruit baskets.
• live English-speaking guide for the full five-hour cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arab Divers Tours Khasab Oman

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and history of Telegraph Island and the fjords without a language barrier. Book this cruise if you have a free afternoon in Khasab and want to combine swimming, snorkeling and a historical stop in one outing, since the five-hour timeframe and fixed 10 a.m. departure fit easily into a day with other plans.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Telegraph Island and why is it worth visiting?

Telegraph Island is a small, uninhabited island roughly 160 meters long that once held a British telegraph-cable repeater station built in 1864 to relay communications between India and the United Kingdom. The station was abandoned in the mid-1870s, and visitors can still see the ruins of the repeater station and operators' quarters. The island sits in calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the Ministry of Tourism is currently developing it as a landmark attraction.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this cruise?

Wild dolphins often swim alongside the dhow during the cruise through Musandam's fjords, but sightings are not guaranteed. The route passes through waters where dolphins are commonly seen, but their presence depends on seasonal and daily conditions.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price. Towels are also supplied. If you prefer your own gear or have a specific fit requirement, you can bring it along.